2015 Hostel Reviews

Photo courtesy joblo.com

In my opinion, hostels are the way to go (don't believe what you see in those movies:) I stayed at seven different locations in 2015 with repeat visits at Freehand Chicago. I prefer hostels for the price, camaraderie, and because they are typically located in an area that is convenient to transportation and activities.

Orange Drive Hostel in Hollywood, CA
This hostel was originally a home from the 1920's and is oozing with charm and character. It's located in an ideal location right off Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, CA. I love their scrumptious free waffles in the morning, friendly staff, and location. I have stayed in a spacious dorm room at this hostel many times, and will continue to do so when I travel to LA. 
http://orangedrivehostel.com/


Apple Hostels in Philadelphia, PA
I knew what I was getting into by securing a dorm room with 27 other females; however, it was worse than I expected. There are two separate rooms with no door, and it's bunk on top of bunk. A male staff person entered the room without announcing himself, and fortunately, I had just finished changing. Not to mention, it was hot, stuffy, pricey, and oh so noisy. I would not stay here again. 
http://applehostels.com/

DC Lofty in Washington, DC
This is another charming property with chandeliers and exposed brick. I stayed in a 4-person dorm with ensuite bath. The hostel was clean with a comfy bed, friendly staff, and a great location. I felt secure walking around, even from the subway late at night. Be sure to check out nearby 14th Street for fantastic bars and restaurants. I would definitely stay here again.
http://www.capitalhostels.net/

Hostel Detroit in Detroit, MI
I wrote an individual post for this hostel (bit.ly/1lAZebX). I had a great visit and would stay here again.

Freehand Chicago in Chicago, IL
Another property that I published an individual post for (bit.ly/1MWdC3T). I'm completely smitten with this hostel, and intend to have many more visits in the future.

Getaway Hostel in Chicago, IL
I always stay at Freehand Chicago when I visit the Windy City; however, I chose this location because it was within walking distance of my Halloween activities. The hostel is located on a lovely, tree-lined street and is aesthetically pleasing; however, I wouldn't stay here again. I base this on the location of the bathrooms being nowhere near the dorm room (you had to walk through two different areas), and the bunk beds are terribly unstable (my bed shifted with the slightest movement from my bunkmate).
http://www.getawayhostel.com/

The Cleveland Hostel in Cleveland, OH
I couldn't have chosen a better place to stay than the Cleveland Hostel. What a gem in a remarkable neighborhood. Immerse yourself in Ohio City for the architecture (especially the homes), phenomenal bars/restaurants, Great Lakes Brewing, and the West Side Market. The hostel is inviting, clean, tastefully decorated, and extremely accommodating. I will return for a summer visit to relish the rooftop deck. View photos here http://bit.ly/1MLnsFP

Favorite New Travel App

I had the honor of being chosen to test a new travel app called iGOmii. The timing was perfect, as it coincided with my trip to Omaha over the Labor Day weekend. The iOS version I tested was user friendly and offered a wealth of information including hotels, restaurants, bars, tourism, shopping, transit, and essentials.

I typically spend a lot of time researching the details of my trip before I leave; however, I didn't need to do that using the iGOmii app. You simply add the destination(s) to your smartphone calendar and the app will take it from there, providing all the necessary information for your journey.

When I arrived in Omaha, my Airbnb hosts told me the best neighborhood for street art and craft beer, which I wasn't aware of. I used the app to plan my entire day around that information. I like how the app lists the nearby places in order of distance, beginning with the nearest locations.

I recommend the restaurants I dined at from the iGOmii app including Flavors, Matsu Sushi, and Le Quartier Dundee. The service was fantastic and the food delicious at all three eateries. If I had any questions about the venues, such as how late they were open, all I had to do was click on the app. 

Vegetable Roll & Tofu Yasai Maki Roll at Matsu Sushi

Caramelized Cauliflower Sandwich & Kale Salad at Le Quartier

Lunch buffet at Flavors

Devising a trip couldn't be more straightforward if you use the iGOmii app. I can't wait to plan my next adventure!
http://www.igomii.com/

USEFUL TRAVEL SITES

Planning and researching trips is an exhilarating, yet time-consuming process, but so worth it in the end. I organize every last detail in advance to make the journey more enjoyable once I arrive. Here are my preferred travel-related sites:

AIRLINE SEARCH ENGINES
CheapOair
Matrix
Hipmunk
Rome2rio (not for the best deals, but for route info including plane, ferry, bus, train and car)

ACCOMMODATIONS
Airbnb
Hostelworld

AIR TRAVEL WITHIN THE U.S. 
Southwest Airlines

BUS TRAVEL WITHIN THE U.S.
Megabus (plan ahead to score those $1 seats)

AIR TRAVEL WITHIN EUROPE
Ryanair
Easyjet

BUS TRAVEL WITHIN EUROPE
Student Agency Bus
Eurolines
Eurobus
Berlin Linien Bus

TRAIN TRAVEL WITHIN EUROPE
Rail Europe
EuroRail
Bahn

FOOD
HappyCow (vegetarian eateries)
Foodspotting
LocalEats

TRAVEL APPS
XE Currency
WorldMate
HopStop
Wi-Fi Finder
TripIt 

So, where is your next adventure going to be? For me, it's our nation's capital for the 4th of July holiday. Happy trails!
 

Travel Classes to Enlighten and Inspire

Travel talk is the next best thing to being on the road. I get all fired up inspiring others to see the world. In my opinion, it's more than exploring new destinations. I like to think of it as leaving your comfort zone behind to try different things. 

If you live in the Madison area and have an interest in budget travel, click on those links below to sign up. 
 

 
We will chat about international travel on February 9th. I'm currently at 13 countries and my favorite thus far is Italy. What's yours?

Jaw-dropping Positano

The second winter class will be held on March 18th, discussing travel in the U.S. My goal is to hit one city in every state. Who's with me? 

The beautiful Capitol in Des Moines

Come hungry to learn, share ideas, and leave ready to book that adventure. 

https://apm.activecommunities.com/minicourses/Activity_Search/international-travel-on-a-budget/9202

https://apm.activecommunities.com/minicourses/activity_search/us-travel-on-a-budget/9203

Currency Tips Whilst Traveling Abroad

Photo courtesy Telegraph

It's smart to be prepared with currency before jetting off to another country. You don't want any unwelcome surprises, and it's worthwhile to do some research to get acclimated with international purchases.

My travels include multiple countries in Europe and Mexico City, which means I'm most familiar with euros and pesos. I always pay a visit to my local bank before departing to get a small amount of currency (a mix of notes and coins) for public transportation, toilets, and food items for the first day. If for no other reason, always carry coins for public toilets.

Photo courtesy Travlang

I discovered in Mexico City that not everyone accepts credit cards. I always assume that major "attractions" are an exception and I assumed wrong. Chapultepec Castle was cash only, and fortunately, I was able to scrape up enough pesos to get in.

A couple of times, while traveling in Europe, I learned the hard way that it's key to have exact currency available for buses and trains.
 

I prefer not to waste my hard earned cash on international fees; therefore, I secured a British Airways credit card, because they don't believe in that type of waste either. Check with your credit card company to see what their policies are involving international travel, including the use of foreign ATM machines.

I recently became aware of some exciting new concepts in the world of currency. Bitcoin wallets is a means of storing digital currency to use when you need it. What a brilliant and convenient way to make purchases abroad without worrying about exchange rates or fees https://bitcoinwallet.com/.

Photo courtesy The Guardian

In addition, you can also download a free currency app that will allow you access to live exchange rates, calculate prices on your smartphone, and so much more http://www.xe.com/apps/.

Are you like me and dread when the flight attendant starts handing out the customs declaration cards? What did I buy, and how much did each item cost, is what I wildly try to recall before the plane touches down. Now there is an app to take care of that stressor for you http://www.simplydeclare.com/.

A quick recap along with some other helpful tips: 
*Research in advance to see if your destination is credit card friendly. Typically, the best place to find this information is on a local tourism site.

*Get accustomed to asking if credit cards are accepted before the purchase, especially at restaurants.

*Bring at least two credit cards and keep them in separate places in the event one is stolen or eaten in an ATM machine.

*Contact your credit card companies to alert them you are traveling abroad.

*Carry small amounts of local currency (notes and coins) for public transportation and when credit cards aren't accepted. 

*Know in advance what the metro/bus fares are and where you can purchase tickets.

*Secure a credit card that doesn't charge you fees for international purchases.

*Keep your wallet in a cross-body or messenger bag in front of you at all times. 

*Look into securing a bitcoin wallet 

*Download the free XE Currency app and the free Simply Declare app

So where is your next journey going to be?

MEXICO CITY'S UNIQUE TRAITS

I fancy quirkiness when I travel, and found more unique traits in Mexico City than anywhere else. I fell hard for this astonishing city, because it's alluring, loud, gritty, chaotic, hospitable, and mesmerizing.

My observations:
*I rarely saw a stroller being used; babies were carried and young children walked.
*The subway is only 5 pesos. I repeat, 5 pesos (less than .40¢). Also, the trains run on rubber tires.
*The police cars always have their lights on.
*Lots and lots of abandoned buildings still standing from the major earthquake in 1985.
*You can ONLY drink bottled water.
*Windows don't have screens.
*Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Take note of that when crossing the street. 
*Police presence is extremely heavy. I have never seen officers wearing assault weapons or standing in the back of moving open trucks before.
*WiFi is quite accessible all over the city including parks.
*Beware ladies - with the exception of most restaurants, public toilets don't have seats. Also, toilet paper is typically available when you enter, not in the stalls.
*Merchandise is for sale at just about every street corner, and at times, I felt like I was at an auction:)
*In some neighborhoods, a street would be lined with stores that sell the exact same items. For instance, in the Zocalo neighborhood, I admired a music store and realized that every store on that street was a music store.
*Do not hail a cab from the street.
*An adorable miniature coat rack for your coat and purse will be brought to your table at restaurants.

This post wouldn't be complete without some quirky photos!

 

 I ♥ you Mexico City, and thank you for an amazing cultural experience.